Rachel Howell

“Just getting to interact with the people on such a close level, and discover how similar we are, even though we’re on completely opposite ends of the world – I was a completely different person after coming back from Kenya.”

Rachel Howell '10

Rachel Howell, an engineering student from Dexter, Mich., exemplifies the commitment to service that is a key component of student life at Valparaiso University. She not only took advantage of the humanitarian engineering minor at Valpo – Rachel traveled to Kenya on a service trip as part of the ongoing Engineers Without Borders effort in Africa.

Valpo students assist communities in so many ways: on short-term spring break trips to help in New Orleans, Appalachia, and Chicago; repairing area houses; providing stuffed animals for children; volunteering at a law clinic; putting together holiday baskets. Service is a way of life at Valpo, for students, faculty, and staff. And service offers learning opportunities throughout those experiences.