Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to win a championship with your best friend? For Olivia Czerwonka ’23, ’26 DNP, that dream is a reality. As one of Valpo’s most successful tennis players in history, Olivia currently holds both of the program’s singles and doubles records, has previously been named Missouri Valley […]
Category: Alumni
Valparaiso University Alumni Fund Endowed Scholarships
Valparaiso University alumni Julie Tiede ’96 Winkler and Jason Winkler ’96 have generously committed $500,000 to fund endowed scholarships for students in the College of Business and College of Engineering. Their gift will be divided between the newly established Julie and Jason Winkler Endowed Scholarship for the College of Business and the existing Duane D. […]
Women Can, Too: The Story of Jeanette Gray
If you spend any amount of time with Jeanette Gray ’03, ’09 M.Ed., you’ll walk away feeling inspired to dream bigger than you thought imaginable and ready to chase after your lifelong goals. Life after Valpo has been nothing short of remarkable for Jeanette, a mechanical engineering major and student-athlete who helped lead her team […]
Outcomes in Action: Daniel Owens ’23
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 […]
Our Light is for Everyone
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 […]
A Calling Made Clear in the Capital
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. […]
From Tasty Bakery to Peanut Butter: David Aronson ’03, MBA, Finds Recipe for Success
More than 20 years ago, David’s career began at the Aronson family business, Tasty Bakery in Naperville, Illinois. The bakery became a foundational piece of his adolescence, influencing him at Valpo and into his early career. But perhaps this experience did not provide as natural a transition into his current role as CEO and founder […]
Lutheran Summer Music: A Liturgical Legacy Lives On
Valparaiso University has long been a beacon of light and learning, not only for our full-time students but also for the many young musicians who attend the Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) program. For over four decades, Lutheran Summer Music, the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students, has offered a transformative experience for […]
Lissa’s Legacy Lives On
In the heart of Valpo’s vibrant community beats the memory of one of our most beloved Valpo Wonder Women, Lissa Jean Yogan ’82, M.A., Ph.D. With profound sadness yet boundless admiration, we reflect on Women’s History Month celebrating the remarkable life of a woman whose journey exemplifies resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to education. Lissa’s […]
Grounded in Empathy, We Radiate Leadership | The Story of Aly Kinzie ’19, ’20 MHCA
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 […]