Simeon Ehm’s ’24 Path from Environmental Passion to Purposeful Impact

Simeon Ehm receiving an award

When Simeon Ehm ’24 first arrived at Valparaiso University from Castle Rock, Colorado, he was looking for more than a degree. He was searching for direction — a place to grow his knowledge while deepening his values, and prepare for a career that would leave the world better than he found it. At Valpo, he […]

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Our Light is for Everyone

Sarah Rasing, M.Ed., smiling at the camera in professional attire.

At Valpo, we are proud to say our light is for everyone. But what does that mean in today’s cultural context? It means that as Beacons, we are called to reflect God’s light. Grounded in humility and compassion, we lead our communities through advocacy and service, helping to bring a brighter future for all into […]

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Natalya Reister ’25 Finds Spark, Confidence, and Community at Valpo

Valparaiso University student Natalya Reister '25 stands in front of Stonehenge.

When Natalya Reister ’25 visited Valparaiso University for the first time, it wasn’t the college visit she was expecting. It was the summer of 2020, during the height of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, requiring masks and limited access to campus buildings. But despite these limitations, something special still shone through. “The minute I set foot on […]

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From Curiosity to Contribution: How Dylan Grace ’23 Found His Calling at Valpo

When Dylan Grace ’23 first stepped onto Valparaiso University’s campus, he had no idea how transformative his college experience would be. What began as an unexpected choice quickly became the foundation for a life rooted in discovery, growth, and purpose. At Valpo, Dylan didn’t just earn a degree — he crafted a future grounded in […]

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Grounded in Empathy, We Radiate Leadership | The Story of Aly Kinzie ’19, ’20 MHCA

Valparaiso University alumna and Professor Aly Kinzie '19, '20 MHCA, smiling as she teaches a classroom of students.

Aly Kinzie’s ’19, ’20 MHCA, journey is one of growth, passion, and dedication — all illuminated by the light that Valpo nurtured within her. As a local student interested in healthcare-related programs, Valpo was always on Aly’s radar. The University’s reputation, paired with familial connections, made it an easy choice. But it was the sense […]

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Grounded in Community, We Radiate Resilience | The Story of Braulio Alcala ’23

Braulio Alcala '23

Braulio Alcala’s ’23 journey to Valpo was nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in California, Braulio balanced his role as an advocate for his family, whose primary language was Spanish, while overcoming personal and academic obstacles. His determination to become a nurse grew from these early experiences. “I’ve always liked being an advocate,” Braulio shared. […]

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Valparaiso University Alumni Help Pave the Way for Human Space Travel

Nicholas Skytland ’02 and David Baumann ’97, two mechanical engineering alumni from Valparaiso University, currently serve as the chief technologist and director of business development and the director of Nasa’s Human Research Program respectively. The two are currently working at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and both look back at their time at […]

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Lending Her Light on Mission | Cailey Rooker’s ’24 Journey of Faith

Valparaiso University alumni Cailey Rooker '24 and Rachel Yeager '24 posing for a photo, smiling and wearing medical scrubs.

Many students are drawn to Valpo for the academic programs offered. Others for the opportunity to compete in NCAA Division 1 athletics. Yet others are drawn to the community found in our faith and student life. For Cailey Rooker ’24, it was all of the above and so much more — “Valpo was an answered […]

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“The Journey of Resilience”: College of Business Commencement Student-Speaker Jaylen Jude ’24 Shares His Story

Jaylen Jude '24 smiling at the camera in professional attire.

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 […]

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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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