News & Features
Accounting for a Stronger Future
Valparaiso University is known for its top tier academic offerings, dedicated faculty and comprehensive vision for success. In order to maintain our tradition of excellence, our faculty members are constantly on the lookout for professional development opportunities, new certifications and ways to continually refresh their perspectives in their respective fields. The College of Business is no exception to the University’s mission as accounting faculty members Cathlin Upton, lecturer of accounting, and Jiangxia (Renee) Liu, associate professor of accounting, received their respective CMA and CPA certifications. “A CPA is a certified public accountant licensed by a state board of accountancy,” says Professor Upton. “Each state has different licensing requirements, but every state requires that a CPA passes the CPA exam and completes a minimum of 150 credit hours either at the undergraduate or graduate, with a specified number of accounting and business courses. Most states require candidates to have professional experience…
Creating a Space Where Students Thrive: The William E. Urschel Hall Experience
Valparaiso University is focused on moving forward, and that means updating our existing facilities to match the identity we’ve grown into. Urschel Hall, home of the College of Business, is undergoing such a transformation now, and is calling on alumni for support as they make all aspects of their building (some of which has not been updated for 30 or more years) reflect the incredible experience students can expect within its walls. “The redesigned area reflects our commitment and approach to business education through a triple-bottom line —people, planet, and profit,” says Niclas Erhardt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business. “The artwork adorning the walls serves as a constant reminder of our mission to balance the needs of our community, the health of the planet, and the pursuit of profitability. This refreshed space not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of Urschel Hall, but also reinforces the ethos that defines…
Exceeding Expectations: Valpo Students Place Third in Midwest Collegiate Supply Chain Competition
Valparaiso University’s College of Business is known for its continuing legacy of academic excellence and dedication to providing students with a comprehensive education that places them on the ground running after graduation. The supply chain management major gives students the opportunity to partake in one of the fastest growing job markets in the nation and learn from top educators in the field. One opportunity they were provided was to participate in an intercollegiate competition that measures the knowledge and skills of tomorrow’s professionals. “Each team was provided with a case study centering on modern supply chain challenges,” Ata Karbasi, assistant professor of information and decision science says. “Students were tasked with analyzing the case and developing a 20-minute presentation detailing their resolution strategies, which they then presented to a panel of five industry judges.” Students were afforded a real-world experience as they worked together as a team to find viable…
Pushing Forward and Giving Back
Randal Lukac ’17 attended Valparaiso University to experience education at a smaller school, but the skills he learned have led to some big things in his career. He’s worked as an investment banking analyst for JP Morgan in New York City, a debt and equity advisory analyst in Chicago, and is now the Vice President of Acquisitions and member of the General Partnership at Westminster Capital. Today, Randal has found ways to give back to and lead his alma mater as a member of the President’s Council of Advisors. When he first arrived at Valpo on a Presidential Scholarship, Randal was facing some important choices about his future. “I was not entirely sure if I was going to take over the large family farm I grew up on, or go into finance,” he recalls. “Valpo was a well-regarded school, and it was relatively close to my family farm.” During his time…
Creative Getaway By Abby Seeber
Sarah Bortz ‘21 was offered a dream internship with the FBI in the spring of 2020 only to have COVID- 19 shut down the government and her internship. Sarah was devastated. Instead of wasting her summer away, she decided to make good use of her time and start a business. In collaboration with her brother, Sarah started Double B’s Art Camp. “Sarah always has a vision. She knows exactly what is coming next,” says Associate Professor of Information and Decision Sciences, Coleen Wilder, who is Sarah’s faculty mentor. This mindset served Sarah well in planning a camp that would offer a real-world business experience for her while providing a service to the greater community. “I was looking to gain the beneficial life experience (of an internship),” Sarah says. Thus, she created her own art camp in the summer of 2019. The program had run with low enrollment and the siblings…
College of Business Maintains Accreditation
Valparaiso University’s College of Business has been reaccredited by AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This five-year accreditation confirms that the College of Business continues to uphold and exemplify the standards of an elite business school. Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. Maintaining this standard of excellence places the University among the 5% of business schools worldwide which have earned AACSB accreditation.
Adventures Abroad and At Home
Grace Tam ’22 calls Valparaiso, Indiana, home but always sought adventure and learning beyond the Midwest. Thanks to creative opportunities to travel during her college years, Grace discovered what being a citizen of the world means to her. Currently Grace is studying at La Universidad Veritas in Santa Rosa, Heredia, in Costa Rica. She has been immersed in business and engineering concepts to deepen her passion for her newly adopted major and diving into how she can make the world a better place. Grace was drawn to study in Costa Rica because of the country’s national commitment to sustainability and its environmentally conscious citizens. This mindset and investment in the future of the entire country was especially appealing to her. “One of my most interesting courses in Costa Rica is about sustainable development and environmental awareness,” Grace says. “I learned how businesses can take environmentally sustainable and conscious decisions for…
Forging a New Path
Madeline Hanley ’20 found herself graduating on a slightly different path than she initially expected — one that combined her interests and talents. As Valparaiso University’s first graduate of the integrated business and engineering major, her journey through the program was untraditional and she is thrilled with the outcome. The Orland Park, Illinois, native discovered that exploring new interests at Valpo could help her hone her skills and passion. Madeline was involved in Pi Beta Phi, College Mentors for Kids, the Society of Women Engineers, and a member of the Dance Marathon Morale Team during her time as a student. “Being involved in student organizations and the Morale Team reminded me that I am a super outgoing person and I love to put myself out there,” Madeline says. “I really cherished all the opportunities I had to be myself and make lifelong friends. Experiences like being on Morale Team helped…
Offering Feedback and Inspiring Change
Students, faculty, and College of Business leadership work together to further the College’s strategic vision to prepare graduates for a global business environment. The Dean’s Leadership Council (DLC) acts as an integral part of this collaborative effort to inform decision-making processes and discuss challenges that the College faces. The DLC is composed of 12 student ambassadors who represent many disciplines in the College of Business. “I thought joining the DLC would provide a great opportunity to give back to the College that has invested so much in me,” says Maggie Schaller ’21, a marketing major and DLC ambassador. “Our goal is to establish a good line of communication between students and Dean Erhardt.” In the fall semester, the DLC met virtually to discuss various topics that are important to the College’s guiding principles. Their two largest points of focus were making online learning more engaging and advancing diversity and inclusion…
Customizing Shoes for the Community
In Valparaiso University’s College of Business, students gain skills that prepare them for today’s globalized business environment. But young entrepreneurs, such as Jake Miller ’22, don’t have to wait until graduation to utilize their education. Jake, a business management major, started his own business, JEM Custom Shoes, in 2015. While his journey into entrepreneurship preceded his acceptance to Valpo, his experience in the College of Business has provided the skills and knowledge he needs to succeed in his business endeavors. “The College of Business wants you to succeed and gives you the opportunities you need to grow,” Jake says. “The skills I’m developing in class coincide with what I’m already doing with JEM Custom Shoes. I’ve been able to apply class projects — like designing a website — to my business, which has helped me better understand various marketing and business techniques.” JEM Custom Shoes began as a hobby for…
A Singular Focus
“Start early. Stay hungry.” This common refrain for students in Valparaiso University’s College of Business guides them as they pursue meaningful opportunities to establish themselves in the business community. Students like Gavin Twigg ’21 complete essential on-the-job learning to complement the College’s curriculum. Gavin, an accounting and finance double-major, is working as an audit-assurance intern with EY Consulting. “My business classes at Valpo have helped prepare me for my internship,” Gavin says. “While my audit class had the most direct correlation, a lot of the time it helps to go back to the basics. In my lower-level accounting classes, I did so much work to understand the principles, which are helpful to reference in a real job environment.” In his role, Gavin is assigned to audit various metrics for his clients including payroll, inventory, and accounts payable. He tests samples of data to ensure employees are paid correctly, products are…
Collaboration in the Classroom
During her first year as a faculty member at Valparaiso University, Meichen Dong, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, has navigated various challenges of teaching during a global pandemic while integrating herself into the College of Business. “The fall was quite hectic as it was my first semester teaching and we all had to learn to adapt to the pandemic,” Professor Dong says. “It was more difficult to build relationships with students and gauge their understanding or feedback due to wearing face coverings. As the semester went on, students became more comfortable and active with their feedback, which made those connections easier to establish.” Professor Dong chose to teach marketing at Valpo because of the uplifting community of students and faculty as well as its location. “My overall impression was that Valpo was a good place to be,” Professor Dong says. “I’m from a cold region in China, so Northwest Indiana…
All News
A Beacon’s Reflection | Yingxin (Grace) Zhang ’25
When I first arrived in America, I was a forty-year-old college freshman, a military spouse, and an immigrant from Changchun, China. Adjusting to a new culture wasn’t easy. Not being able to work, I found purpose through volunteer work with the American Red Cross and a local church. Every day, I would ride my bike for miles to learn about my new surroundings. One of those days, my ride took me to Valparaiso University where I was struck by the beauty of the campus, specifically the Chapel of the Resurrection. I thought I’d never have the chance to attend this place. But life had other plans. I began my studies at Ivy Tech Community College with a single goal — to improve my English. At an awards ceremony, a man wearing jeans, a cowboy hat, and a warm smile approached me. He introduced himself as President Padilla of Valparaiso University.…
Valpo Football’s Tyler Eberhart ’24, ’25 MBA, is a Beacon of Servant-Leadership
From the very beginning, fifth-year student-athlete Tyler Eberhart ’24, ’25 MBA, brought a big game from his Ohio hometown to Valpo’s campus. His natural calling to leadership has transcended both field and classroom, setting him on a path of servant-leadership that will leave its mark on Valpo’s football program for years to come. Tyler’s journey with football kicked off at just seven years old; at eleven, competing at the collegiate level as an offensive lineman was at the top of his to-do list. “Me and my dad would watch early signing day together and see where all the big commits were heading to school. We talked about it as a goal of mine,” Tyler reminisces. When the time for a college choice neared, the path ahead was illuminated. “I wanted Division I football mixed with a great mechanical engineering program. Valpo was the perfect fit.” By the beginning of his…
Blooming as a Beacon: Jazzy Soria-Gonzalez’s ’28 “Eventful” First Year
If you were to ask Jazzy Soria-Gonzalez ’28 to sum up her first year at Valparaiso University in one word, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear her respond with "eventful.” As a freestyle swimmer for the Valpo women’s swim team and a double major in Spanish and marketing, having an eventful first year of college was to be expected, even more so for Jazzy. The summer before freshman year, Jazzy participated in Valpo’s Bloom Scholars Program. Alongside four years of specialized programming, Bloom Scholars also have the opportunity to reside on campus during the summer and take part in a four-week intensive summer bridge program, which was Jazzy’s favorite part of the experience. For Jazzy, the Bloom Scholars Program was more than a way for her to earn a scholarship and four college credits. It was an opportunity to preview college life, and more significantly, the experiences she’d have as…
“The Journey of Resilience”: College of Business Commencement Student-Speaker Jaylen Jude ’24 Shares His Story
Of all the shared qualities and experiences that unite the Class of 2024, Commencement student-speaker and Portage, Indiana, native Jaylen Jude ’24 places the strongest emphasis on resilience. Our latest graduating class first stepped into their college experience back in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing. What they anticipated to be the start of a great era of independence and personal growth commenced — but not untainted by the universal feelings of anxiety and loneliness that gripped the world. And yet, the Class of 2024 rolled with the punches, emerging victorious with well-tempered strength. To that, Jaylen dedicated his Commencement speech — appropriately titled “The Journey of Resilience.” While COVID-19 and resilience were the driving forces behind Jaylen’s message to his fellow graduates, he stresses that the Class of 2024 prevailed, but did not prevail alone. He is a firm believer in a strong support system and…
Valparaiso University MBA Program Recognized Nationally
The Master of Business Administration program at Valparaiso University continues to garner national acclaim, and has been recognized on Money’s list of 2024 Best Grad School Programs and the U.S. News and World Report list of Best Online MBA programs, ranking 74 out of 344 participants. These rankings stand as a testament to the availability and responsiveness of the College of Business’s instructors and their dedication to providing an excellent student experience. "Valpo's MBA program stands tall among its peers, recognized not only for its prestigious ranking but also for its commitment to adaptability through highly flexible class-deliveries, and employer-driven concentrations,” Niclas Erhardt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business. "With a focus on fostering close faculty ties and delivering a high-touch experience, it's where academic excellence meets personalized growth, empowering students to thrive in dynamic business landscapes." Money’s 2024 Best Grad School Program gives the Valparaiso University MBA program…
Accounting for a Stronger Future
Valparaiso University is known for its top tier academic offerings, dedicated faculty and comprehensive vision for success. In order to maintain our tradition of excellence, our faculty members are constantly on the lookout for professional development opportunities, new certifications and ways to continually refresh their perspectives in their respective fields. The College of Business is no exception to the University’s mission as accounting faculty members Cathlin Upton, lecturer of accounting, and Jiangxia (Renee) Liu, associate professor of accounting, received their respective CMA and CPA certifications. “A CPA is a certified public accountant licensed by a state board of accountancy,” says Professor Upton. “Each state has different licensing requirements, but every state requires that a CPA passes the CPA exam and completes a minimum of 150 credit hours either at the undergraduate or graduate, with a specified number of accounting and business courses. Most states require candidates to have professional experience…
Creating a Space Where Students Thrive: The William E. Urschel Hall Experience
Valparaiso University is focused on moving forward, and that means updating our existing facilities to match the identity we’ve grown into. Urschel Hall, home of the College of Business, is undergoing such a transformation now, and is calling on alumni for support as they make all aspects of their building (some of which has not been updated for 30 or more years) reflect the incredible experience students can expect within its walls. “The redesigned area reflects our commitment and approach to business education through a triple-bottom line —people, planet, and profit,” says Niclas Erhardt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business. “The artwork adorning the walls serves as a constant reminder of our mission to balance the needs of our community, the health of the planet, and the pursuit of profitability. This refreshed space not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of Urschel Hall, but also reinforces the ethos that defines…
Exceeding Expectations: Valpo Students Place Third in Midwest Collegiate Supply Chain Competition
Valparaiso University’s College of Business is known for its continuing legacy of academic excellence and dedication to providing students with a comprehensive education that places them on the ground running after graduation. The supply chain management major gives students the opportunity to partake in one of the fastest growing job markets in the nation and learn from top educators in the field. One opportunity they were provided was to participate in an intercollegiate competition that measures the knowledge and skills of tomorrow’s professionals. “Each team was provided with a case study centering on modern supply chain challenges,” Ata Karbasi, assistant professor of information and decision science says. “Students were tasked with analyzing the case and developing a 20-minute presentation detailing their resolution strategies, which they then presented to a panel of five industry judges.” Students were afforded a real-world experience as they worked together as a team to find viable…
Pushing Forward and Giving Back
Randal Lukac ’17 attended Valparaiso University to experience education at a smaller school, but the skills he learned have led to some big things in his career. He’s worked as an investment banking analyst for JP Morgan in New York City, a debt and equity advisory analyst in Chicago, and is now the Vice President of Acquisitions and member of the General Partnership at Westminster Capital. Today, Randal has found ways to give back to and lead his alma mater as a member of the President’s Council of Advisors. When he first arrived at Valpo on a Presidential Scholarship, Randal was facing some important choices about his future. “I was not entirely sure if I was going to take over the large family farm I grew up on, or go into finance,” he recalls. “Valpo was a well-regarded school, and it was relatively close to my family farm.” During his time…
Fall 2023 Edition of Valpo Magazine
Another edition of the Valpo Magazine is here, now in its all-new, digital format at valpomagazine.com. In this inaugural online edition, you will meet the newest head men’s basketball coach, Roger Powell Jr. and learn about his plans for bringing Valpo athletics into a new era. Alumni will share their life-changing experiences, from saving lives at the southern border to guarding our nation’s most hallowed landmarks. Our students and faculty will make international waves and put their exceptional drive and expertise towards an environmental issue facing us all. Please note that you will no longer receive a copy of the magazine in the mail. The switch to producing an online magazine is a big change, but one that comes with a lot of benefits and features that can’t be replicated in print. By publishing digitally, Valpo Magazine is able to remain up-to-date, sharing your exciting news and updates with your…
Read This Next: Ruth Connell
For the inaugural “Read This Next” post, I read and am recommending the 1997 book titled ”The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down : a Hmong Child, her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures,” by Anne Fadiman (call number RA418.5.T73 F33 2012). At Valpo, every college and department on campus has their own subject librarian. Our subject specialists work to purchase relevant materials for the library’s collection, help students with research projects, and teach research skills within courses. “The Spirit Catches You…” came to my attention because selected chapters were required reading for most Valpo freshmen this fall. During a week in October, these first-year CORE class sections came to the library for a session on conducting research, and I had the opportunity to work with about 60 of these students. Before these sessions, I had not heard of their assigned book. I have always been interested in reading what our…
Creative Getaway By Abby Seeber
Sarah Bortz ‘21 was offered a dream internship with the FBI in the spring of 2020 only to have COVID- 19 shut down the government and her internship. Sarah was devastated. Instead of wasting her summer away, she decided to make good use of her time and start a business. In collaboration with her brother, Sarah started Double B’s Art Camp. “Sarah always has a vision. She knows exactly what is coming next,” says Associate Professor of Information and Decision Sciences, Coleen Wilder, who is Sarah’s faculty mentor. This mindset served Sarah well in planning a camp that would offer a real-world business experience for her while providing a service to the greater community. “I was looking to gain the beneficial life experience (of an internship),” Sarah says. Thus, she created her own art camp in the summer of 2019. The program had run with low enrollment and the siblings…
College of Business Maintains Accreditation
Valparaiso University’s College of Business has been reaccredited by AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This five-year accreditation confirms that the College of Business continues to uphold and exemplify the standards of an elite business school. Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. Maintaining this standard of excellence places the University among the 5% of business schools worldwide which have earned AACSB accreditation.
Adventures Abroad and At Home
Grace Tam ’22 calls Valparaiso, Indiana, home but always sought adventure and learning beyond the Midwest. Thanks to creative opportunities to travel during her college years, Grace discovered what being a citizen of the world means to her. Currently Grace is studying at La Universidad Veritas in Santa Rosa, Heredia, in Costa Rica. She has been immersed in business and engineering concepts to deepen her passion for her newly adopted major and diving into how she can make the world a better place. Grace was drawn to study in Costa Rica because of the country’s national commitment to sustainability and its environmentally conscious citizens. This mindset and investment in the future of the entire country was especially appealing to her. “One of my most interesting courses in Costa Rica is about sustainable development and environmental awareness,” Grace says. “I learned how businesses can take environmentally sustainable and conscious decisions for…
Forging a New Path
Madeline Hanley ’20 found herself graduating on a slightly different path than she initially expected — one that combined her interests and talents. As Valparaiso University’s first graduate of the integrated business and engineering major, her journey through the program was untraditional and she is thrilled with the outcome. The Orland Park, Illinois, native discovered that exploring new interests at Valpo could help her hone her skills and passion. Madeline was involved in Pi Beta Phi, College Mentors for Kids, the Society of Women Engineers, and a member of the Dance Marathon Morale Team during her time as a student. “Being involved in student organizations and the Morale Team reminded me that I am a super outgoing person and I love to put myself out there,” Madeline says. “I really cherished all the opportunities I had to be myself and make lifelong friends. Experiences like being on Morale Team helped…