Water boils over the stove at an old off-campus home awaiting uncooked noodles. A kitchen timer beeps, and giggles erupt from the kitchen table where five girls are sharing stories after a full day of student teaching. This is ritual for senior secondary education and mathematics student Kathryn “Katie” Merkling, who shares a home with […]
Traveling more than 8,000 miles, Ashita Bhatnagar ’18 arrived at Valparaiso University two years ago sight unseen to embark on what has proven to be a journey full of challenges and growth both academically and personally. Not one to sit idle, Ashita has immersed herself in the community both inside and outside the classroom, combining […]
At Valpo, Emily Robinson ’17 has blossomed in countless ways — as a leader, collaborator, scholar, educator, musician, and motivator. Even though Emily may not know exactly where she’ll be after graduation, she is confident Valpo has prepared her for whatever career path she may choose. From St. Louis, Emily toured more than 20 schools […]
Growing up in West Englewood, on Chicago’s South Side, Andre Daniels ’08 was surrounded by violence, poverty, and drug abuse, with nearly every one of his friends engaged in some type of negative activity. Music became his refuge at an early age. He began rapping at 13 and has been perfecting his craft ever since. […]
Tennis balls fly back and forth across the net as young men run in zig-zag patterns to thwart their opponents hard driving serves. Tennis at Division I schools is a blur of intense and concentrated movement. At Valpo, it’s especially engaging as a Horizon League Championship winning team includes Senior Tennis Team Captain, Kyle Dunn […]
A high school track star from Westampton, N.J., Stefon David ’17 came to Valpo with high hopes and big dreams four years ago, with little foundation of what to expect. A first-generation student, he wasn’t familiar with the school, or the region, or even Indiana. Now a recent graduate, his résumé bursts with campus involvement, […]
Comfort. Opportunity. Growth. These are a few of Olivia’s words for Valpo. A second-generation Valpo student, Olivia was more than a little familiar with the University prior to her decision to attend, but what she didn’t fully appreciate was her ability to do it all at Valpo — premier academics, Division I athletics, Lutheran Leaders, […]
Since 1995, Valparaiso University has presented its Martin Luther King Jr. Award to individuals and groups within the Valpo community who have made significant and lasting contributions to creating an environment where diversity is honored and respected on campus and beyond. During the annual MLK Celebration Convocation on Jan. 15, the 2018 Martin Luther King […]
When each player on the Valparaiso University women’s basketball team was asked to share a favorite moment of the season at a recent team meeting, senior captain Dani Franklin ‘18 welled up with tears. These were tears of joy from Dani, who told a story that combines two groups of people who mean the world […]
Just months after graduation, Eric finds himself back in the classroom, but this time at the front, teaching seventh grade English at Tinley Prep, an all-boys school in Indianapolis. Valpo’s culture of service inspired Eric to take a step back and work in the community as part of the Teach for America program. It is […]