Students-Outside-Arts-and-Sciences

Current Students

Sociology/Criminology students are actively engaged in the department, at the university, and in the community. Click one of the links below for more information about student accomplishments, and how to become a major/minor.

Student Resources

Interested in becoming a Major/Minor?

Student Accomplishments

Our students are recognized within the University and in the community for their work and dedication to the field. Here are just a few of the accomplishments of our students:

In 2018, Angelys Torres and
Megan Gilliam received
Valparaiso University’s
Outstanding Leadership and Service Award.

  • In 2021, Matthew Aberman won Valparaiso University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Student Award for the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • In 2021, four students became Fellows in Cohort VII of the Institute for Leadership and Service’s CAPS (Calling And Purpose in Society) program: Nailah Bush, Emily Gaus, Lillian Gramza, Rebekah Hershberger
  • In 2020, three students won the Student Affairs Outstanding Leadership and Service Award: Samantha Burgett, Jade Carless, and Lulu Emerson.
  • In 2020, Samantha Burgett won Valparaiso University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Student Award.
  • In 2019, Samantha Burgett won two Guild Undergraduate Creative Work and Research Expense Grants. One grant is supporting her REACH mentoring and empowerment program in the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center, and the second grant is supporting the production of her documentary which seeks to humanize the incarcerated population.
  • In 2019, Chris Rossman completed his training at with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.
  • In 2016, Angelys Torres received a Calling and Purpose in Society (CAPS) fellowship to support her work with NPH USA (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and disadvantaged children.
  • In 2015, Carmyn Hamblen earned the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award, which recognizes outstanding students based on their scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Carmyn majored in sociology with a criminology concentration, and is currently a Trooper with the Indiana State Police.
  • In 2015, Nathan Hynek received a Calling and Purpose in Society (CAPS) fellowship to support his work with United Way. Through the program, he coordinated with local nonprofits to build a community garden in an abandoned lot in LaPorte, Indiana. He is currently an officer with the Michigan City Police Department.
  • In 2014, Kelli Chavez received a Calling and Purpose in Society (CAPS) fellowship to support her work with the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. Currently pursuing a graduate degree in School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, Kelli continues to help build communities by working with Art House: A Social Kitchen in Gary, Indiana.
  • In 2013, Natalie Zibolski earned a Valparaiso University Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award. Natalie majored in sociology, and is currently acting as a Victim’s Service Specialist in the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Justice while she pursues a graduate degree.
  • In 2011, Emily Von Qualen was named a Kemper Scholar. The prestigious Kemper Scholars Program identifies high‐potential undergraduate students and supports them with a comprehensive program of scholarship, mentorship, and internships. After graduation, Emily was a teacher with Teach for America, and then earned her JD in 2016 from Tulane University Law School.