Blooming as a Beacon: Jazzy Soria-Gonzalez’s ’28 “Eventful” First Year

Jazzy Soria Gonzalez '24 smiling at the camera in professional attire.

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 […]

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A Beacon’s Reflection | Yingxin (Grace) Zhang ’25

Valparaiso University business student Yingxin (Grace) Zhang ’25 stands in front of the Chapel of the Resurrection, smiling while holding up a medal.

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 […]

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A Beacon of Hope: Transfer Student Manny Calleros ’25, ’27 Embraces the Valpo Difference

A Beacon of Hope: Transfer Student Manny Calleros '25, '27 Embraces the Valpo Difference Featured Image

Every student’s path to Valparaiso University is as unique as they are, and for Manny Calleros ‘25, ‘27, that journey began as a transfer student after serving for over 15 years as a first responder. Continuing his calling to help others, he is currently wrapping up his first year in Valpo’s Physician Assistant Program. Taking […]

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Outcomes in Action: Daniel Owens ’23

alumnus Daniel Owens '23 speaking to an audience out of frame during the TEDxValparaisoUniversity conference.

When alumnus Daniel Owens ’23 thinks back to his childhood career dreams, there’s quite a few that come to mind: chef, movie star, musician, and professional soccer player (running not included). While Dan cultivated each of those passions during his time at Valpo — and has continued to do so every day since — it […]

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A Calling Made Clear in the Capital

Kayla Smith '24 smiling in front of a government building in Washington, D.C.

From her hometown of Lake Station, Indiana, to the halls of Valparaiso University, to the bustling streets of Washington D.C., Kayla Smith’s ’24 journey is one of discovery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her dreams. “I’ve always wanted to help people who are in need, so I thought criminal justice would be the perfect route. […]

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Valpo Student Shares Faith, Fellowship, and Service in Sweetwine Music Ministry

Fox Wilmot '24 smiling at the camera outside on a cloudy spring day with three other members of Valpo's Sweetwine Music Ministry.

When Fox Wilmot ’24 first came to Valpo, he already understood faith and service to be the foundation of his journey forward. The oldest brother of four, with youth ministry experience back home in Laurel, Maryland, he was no stranger to responsibility or leadership — two strong qualities that only continued to flourish when he […]

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